UL launches compliance service

In order to help customers get compliant labels into the supply chain faster and more cost effectively, Underwriters Laboratories (UL) has launched a service that can address potential project delays and redesign issues common to any manufacturer affixing a label to a product.  

Open to large and small companies alike, the Pre-Certification program provides early access to UL engineering staff prior to opening a full certification project and builds efficiencies that can help accelerate final UL certification by addressing noncompliance issues long before go-to-market planning and product launch.  

‘We recognize that there is a growing desire among print service providers and the OEM’s for quicker, more cost effective UL recognition, and to be able to justify the return of investment in obtaining certification for their labels,’ said Bill Colavecchio, vice president and general manager for UL’s Chemicals Division. ‘The introduction of the Pre-Certification service and changing the cost of adopting previously UL certified labels will help manufacturers, label converters and printers get UL recognized labels into the supply chain quicker and ultimately improve the return of investment for everyone involved in the product certification program.’ 

A Pre-Certification project is first opened which allows open communication with UL engineering staff, during which time the customer’s objectives and materials are discussed in detail. A focused test plan is then developed that meets both the client’s business goals and UL’s certification requirements.  

At the close of the Pre-Certification project the customer receives the approved test plan, the sample requirements, a testing time line and the quote for the final certification project that is based on the already approved test plan. The full cost of the Pre-Certification project is also discounted from the final certification project quotation.  

UL has also revised its pricing schedule to provide a quicker return on investment for customers who wish to adopt labels that have previously been UL certified by other label manufacturers.